• By Mabel Pais

‘Books That Changed My Life Festival (BTCML),’ an innovative celebration honoring the transformative influence of literature, returns for a 2nd time to the Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan’s (JCC) Lambert Center for Arts + Ideas. This is set to captivate audiences in a vibrant two-month festival from January 4 – February 29, 2024. The event happens at the Samuel Priest Rose Building of the JCC, 334 Amsterdam Avenue (at 76th Street), New York, NY 10023.

The initiative, presented by the JCC, offers a rich tapestry of events and activities inspired by beloved literary works, including author conversations, workshops, storytime, a gallery exhibition, musical performances, theater, film, and more.

The 2024 festival begins on the evening of January 4 with a reception honoring the return of the Festival’s popular interactive pop-up library hosted by The Laurie M. Tisch Gallery. The festival continues through February 29, with a dynamic collection of events:

Author conversations featuring Ruth Reichl and Nancy Silverton in honor of Silverton’s book ‘The Cookie That Changed My Life,’ and

the JCC’s CEO, Rabbi Joanna Samuels in conversation with prolific author Nicole Krauss. Krauss’s book ‘To Be A Man’ was named one of Oprah Magazine’s ”20 Best Books of 2020 and Time’s “100 Must-Read Books of 2020, among other accolades.”

Author Lauren Grodstein will also join us to speak with powerhouse literary agent Julie Barer about her new book, ‘We Must Not Think Of Ourselves,’ which is the December 2023 Read with Jenna Book Club Pick.

Storytime in the JCC’s lobby with Wonderspark Puppets, a live performance in Hebrew of the beloved Israeli children’s book ‘Room For Rent’ with MusicTalks.

Preview of The Jewish Food Society’s new cookbook in the form of a cooking class and discussion.

Renowned comedian Judy Gold will lead a discussion on the Jewish ”secrets” of our favorite comic book superheroes in an evening entitled ‘How Heroes Schmooze: Unveiling the Superhero Jewish Secrets.’

Broadway actor and music director David Loud hosts an open house focused on his book ‘Facing the Music: A Broadway Memoir,’ with performances centered around his time working with legendary composer Stephen Sondheim in the original production of ‘Merrily We Roll Along.’

Performances by Sunset Circus, Parallel Exit’s circus troupe consisting of Cirque du Soleil and Big Apple Circus alums will present a literary-themed showcase suitable for ages 1 to 100.

OPENING NIGHT

Enjoy a glass of wine with a book from our Laurie M. Tisch Gallery’s pop-up library. Discover joy in browsing shelves, admiring covers, and discussing favorite titles. Embrace the Jewish tradition of being “people of the book” as we celebrate storytelling’s impact on our connected, meaningful lives. Borrow a life-changing book from our shelves, read it, return it, and share its impact with fellow JCC members. Take a moment to witness the skilled artistry of professional calligrapher Leana Tapnack as she transcribes the word that holds personal significance for you. Share with her a word that has a profound impact on your life or one that carries special meaning. Drinks and light refreshments will be offered.

TICKETS

For tickets and to explore the ‘Books That Changed My Life’ Festival lineup of events, visit mmjccm.org/book-festival.

For Group Rates or VIP Access, contact Liel Ben David, Program and Art Studios Manager, at ldavid@mmjccm.org.

For Press Inquiries, please contact Ellen PutneyMoore, Senior Marketing Director, at eputneymoore@mmjccm.org.

The Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan (JCC)

Together with its community, the Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan creates opportunities for people to connect, grow, and learn within an ever-changing landscape. Located on 76th Street and Amsterdam Avenue, the JCC is a vibrant nonprofit community center on the Upper West Side. It also presents a robust slate of virtual programming, serving an even wider community. The JCC serves over 30,000 people annually through 1,200 programs each season that educate, inspire, and transform participants’ minds, bodies, and spirits. Since its inception,

the JCC has been committed to serving the community by offering programs, classes, and events that reach beyond neighborhood boundaries, reaching people at all stages of their lives. Learn more at mmjccm.org.

PARTNERS & SPONSORSHIP

‘Books That Changed My Life Festival’ is presented in partnership with The Strand Book Store and The Jewish Book Council.

The Festival is sponsored by several not-for-profit organizations, a partnership of the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs with the City Council and the generosity of individual donors.

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START THE NEW YEAR WITH FITNESS

• By Mabel Pais

FREE FITNESS FAIR

Start January 7, 2024 in the direction that empowers you!

Join the JCC for a free day of in person and virtual fitness and wellness programs. Choose between free fitness classes and inspiring wellness workshops, and enjoy special discounts on membership, personal training, massage, and more.

WHEN: January 7, 2024, 10:30AM-4:30PM

WHERE: JCC, Samuel Priest Rose Building, 334 Amsterdam Avenue (at 76th Street), New York, NY 10023.

REQUIREMENT: Pre-registration necessary at mmjccm.org/programs.

COST: Free

(Mabel Pais writes on Education, Health & Wellness, Cuisine, The Arts and Entertainment, Social Issues, Spirituality, and Business)